A group of Indian soldiers is now in Thailand to participate in the 15th iteration of the joint military exercise between the two countries known as Maitree-XV, 2026. The exercise will take place from 18 August to 31 August 2026 in Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. This same military exercise took place at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025. The number of personnel participating in this year’s iteration of this exercise is 85 each from both sides.
Details about Troops and Training
Soldiers from 9 Gorkha Rifles constitute the Indian Army delegation, whereas soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, Division constitute the Royal Thai Army delegation. Training will comprise exercises at the company level, which will be conducted in jungle and semi-urban terrain.
Aim of Exercise Maitree
Exercise Maitree aims at strengthening cooperation between India and Thailand. It seeks to ensure that the two countries get necessary capabilities to be able to cooperate during counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the jungle and semi-urban terrain environment. This is done within Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise involves a field exercise, combat discussion, demonstrations of skills, and an assessment to test everything. Soldiers from the two countries are supposed to exchange their experiences and demonstrations of the latest technology and equipment in joint operations. The first Exercise Maitree occurred in 2006. Since then, it has served as a means through which India and Thailand have been able to share best practices and strengthen their defense relations. This continues to enhance the ability of the two armies to cooperate and understand each other. This further serves to strengthen the long-standing relationship of the two countries.
"A group of Indian soldiers is now in Thailand to participate in the 15th iteration of the joint military exercise between the two countries …"